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Hamon : Nioi deki suguha. This nioiguchi is tight. Inazuma can be seen and there is no nie mixed in.
Boshi : Omaru with a pointed return on the omotoe. Midare komi with two gunome in the return on the ura.
Kitae : Fine and tight ko itame hada. The jigane is dark. There is ji-nie and chikei can be seen all over the ji.
About this sword : This is a fine naginata by Sagami no Kami Minamoto Yoshimichi. He was a Mishina School sword smith and a student of the nidai Omi no Kami Hisamichi. Yoshimichi was originally from Hyuga and later moved to Aki (Hiroshima). This naginata has several important points of appreciation. It is a dated work ( made in August of 1746 ) and Yoshimichi recorded "Namban tetsu Wo Motte Kore Wo Tsukuru" on the nakago. Meaning that this blade was forged from Nambantetsu - foreign steel. Nambantestu was an expensive and sought after material in Edo period Japan. It was never used casually and its presence always indicates a work made with care or a special order item. This nakago being dated and stating the use of Nambantetsu adds considerable empirical value to this naginata.
The shape of this naginata is commonly known as being made for a woman. It is important to note that this would not have been a "lightly" given item or as a "gesture" to a common woman. This is an item given with serious martial intent to a woman with skill in the use of a naginata. This blade is 10mm thick at the back of the kissaki - a heavy and serious fighting tool indeed. In the case of this blade, being made from Nambantetsu and a signed / dated work, it was most likely a special order item for a woman of considerable means and importance.
The blade is of exceptional quality. The jigane is especially wonderful. There are no kizu. It is in old polish with a few minor scratches but the quality of the polish is quite impressive. Such a fine old polish is always so enjoyable. It comes with an old shira saya with an integrated wood habaki. This naginata was awarded a Tokubetsu Hozon paper from the NBTHK. The vast majority of Edo jidai naginata receive only a Hozon paper. The Tokubetsu Hozon paper attests well to the fine quality of the blade and its high empirical value. We are delighted to recommend this Naginata and the owner has priced it for a quick sale.
Price $3250
